High Folate

[Tango2]

Hello

I have recently had a B12 test that was a bit low, I now have had a Folate test and this is high. I have ordered an Intrinsic Factor test. Does anyone have any comments on my results below:

B12 244 pm0l/L range 142-725

Folate 1183 nmol/L range 158-1099

Many thanks

[Clutter]

Tango, I think that high folate can mask B12 deficiency. Your B12 isn't a bit low, it's flatlining, <500 isn't good, top of range is the target but don't supplement until after the IF test in case it skews results.

b12d.org/b12-and-folate

b12deficiency.info/what-to-...

[shaws Administrator]

Re your B12 - yes it's too low. Your GP wont give you injections, I think, as you are 'in range'. You can supplement with B12 methylcobalamin B12 sublingual which you can purchase from Amazon, if you wish. Your aim should be a B12 of 600 +. You cannot overdose with B12, as our body takes what it requires and excess is excreted. This is a very important hormone as is Vitamin D and I would ask GP to test Vit D if not already done. This is a link:

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

I think your folate is o.k. but someone who knows more than me re folate will respond.

[shaws Administrator in reply to shaws]

As Clutter says, don't supplement yet if investigating for intrinsic factor.

[Tango2]

Thank you Shaws and Clutter, I will let you know the IF result and how I get on.

[Tango2]

Hello Shaws and Clutter

I hope this works adding onto an old message -following on from my earlier information and having a negative IF antibody test, I have had an active B 12 test:

63 pmol/L range 25 - 165 pmol/L

I hope you have experience of the active B12 test, can I presume that my B 12 is ok from this result?

Many thanks

[Ruthi]

It depends on whether you have been supplementing with folic acid. Folic acid and folate are not the same, but I think I have read that the blood test cannot distinguish. But not everyone can convert folic acid to folate which is the biologically active version. Hence the folic acid pools showing high folate, BUT its not doing its job.

There is also a link between high folate and MTHFR mutations. Its a complex subject, and you would need to read up on it, because so far the information has just fried what is left of my brain!

I have high folate and high B12, MTHFR mutations are the only explanation I have found, given that I was only taking small amounts in mixed supplements. I haven't yet had the 23andme test, and have decided to ignore the whole thing for the time being. But if you decide to investigate, and have some simple advice I'll be all ears!